First Saturday Volunteer Session

Windmill is such a great place, that folk just can't keep away. It must be true, because Rosy chose to run our first Saturday session on her Birthday! A nice little gang of folk turned up, enough for a party anyway. And we were delighted that old hands Hugh, Ellis and Dan were able to join us. Tracey and her son Ash came along, as did Rosy's fella, Tom, and we were also joined by Nadine, Lizzy, Audrey and Andrew (briefly!).

The Birthday Girl

The weather was bitter, so we lit a fire, and after a quick discussion with the volunteers, we got down to the main tasks - coppicing the willow and continuing to process the tree we turned into a pollard a few weeks ago. You'll probably remember that this is all to ensure we have enough home-grown wood to fuel our cooking and fires each year, so we can be carbon neutral for as much cooking as possible. This is good work for a cold day, because it definitely keeps you warm!



Nadine making kindling.



Dan and Tom coppicing poles

Ellis helps cut canes ready for use as bean poles.

Ash had a great time splitting some of last year's logs to keep the rocket stove and the fire going, whilst the rest of us turned the cuttings into useful poles, willow rods, kindling, and at this time of year, pussy-willow sticks for decoration. Gus, Rosy's dog, helped out too, since moving sticks around was his idea of a good time.

Hugh helps Ash split some logs

Gus choosing the right stick

Because of the special day, we had cake! Rosy brought along a lovely home-made marmalade sponge and Tracey contributed some locally-made cheesecakes. We reckon healthy eating can cope with the odd indulgence, as long as it's made of good quality ingredients!




The cake disappeared so fast, I only managed to get this picture!

If you think you'd like to join our happy band, we'll be meeting between 10am and 12noon on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. We'd love to see you, but please call the office first on 9788212 to let us know to expect you.